US Bridges

I40WBL over Caribou RD

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .2 MI.W.JCT.US25A · Structure no. 000000000210427

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
198 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40WBL over Caribou RD is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40WBL over Caribou RD in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 53 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 22,250 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,500 by 2040. The structure is 198 ft (60.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40WBL
CrossesCaribou RD
Location.2 MI.W.JCT.US25A
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55693, -82.52475
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length198 ft (60.3 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,250 (2020)
Projected traffic44,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40WBL over Caribou RD built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is I40WBL over Caribou RD in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does I40WBL over Caribou RD carry?

About 22,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40WBL over Caribou RD?

The structure is 198 ft (60.3 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns I40WBL over Caribou RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.